Chapter Text
The countdown began, and Sanghyeok couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
*D-5*
Jihoon: "D-5, Hyung, we arrived yesterday. I'm sorry I just messaged you now. We have a team meeting later. I miss you already :(("
Sanghyeok smiled, feeling the warmth of Jihoon's message.
*D-4*
Jihoon: "D-4, don't forget to hydrate, Hyung. I want you to perform your best"
Sanghyeok chuckled, remembering Jihoon's constant reminders. He made a mental note to drink more water throughout the day.
*D-3*
Jihoon: "D-3, Hyung, please eat on time. How's the team doing? I miss you"
Sanghyeok replied, "We're doing great, baby. Just focusing on the scrims. I miss you too"
*D-2*
Jihoon: "D-2, please take care of yourself, Hyung. I miss you so much, like this ٩(๑> ₃ < )۶♡"
Sanghyeok reassured him, "Don't worry, Jihoon-ah. I love you, like this ٩(♡ε♡ )۶"
*D-1*
Jihoon: "D-1, you're almost there, love. I believe in you"
Sanghyeok felt a surge of confidence, knowing Jihoon was supporting him from afar.
*D-0, D-day*
Sanghyeok: "Today is the day, baby. I'm nervous and excited. We're getting ready to go to the arena. Please text me when you're awake. I love you"
T1 arrived at Dong'an Lake Sports Park Multifunctional Gymnasium in Chengdu. The venue was huge, with fans cheering loudly for the two teams competing for the World Summoners Cup.
Sanghyeok was anxious, constantly checking his phone for any sign of Jihoon. He excused himself for a CR break and headed to the hallway.
As he turned a corner, he overheard a conversation between Lee Seungmin and Gwak Boseong, the top and midlaner of their opposing team.
"...Jihoon, I'm sure he's so in love with Faker, he looks dumb" Perfect said, laughing.
"Yeah, during season opening this year, he was so clingy to him that I almost punch him, good thing we eliminated him in semi" BDD replied, smirking at the end.
Sanghyeok's eyes narrowed, his anger rising. How dare they talk about his boyfriend like that? He felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him, and his instincts screamed at him to defend Jihoon.
As he was about to confront them, the two players quickly headed to the other corner, conversing in hushed tones. Sanghyeok's eyes followed them, his anger still simmering.
He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. He couldn't let his emotions get the better of him, not now, not when the game was about to start. He headed back to their team room, trying to shake off the feeling of unease.
But it was hard to shake off the feeling that they had crossed a line, that they had disrespected Jihoon and, by extension, him. He knew he was good at handling trash talk and opponents, but this was different. This was personal.
Minhyung and Minseok noticed the look on Sanghyeok's face as he entered the team room. "Hyung, are you okay?" Minhyung asked, concern etched on his face.
Sanghyeok nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Minseok's eyes narrowed, sensing something was off. "Hyung, are you sure? Did something happen?" he asked, his voice low
Sanghyeok forced a smile, trying to brush it off, but before he could answer, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and his face softened. "Excuse me," he said, answering the call.
He headed to a quieter spot outside, in a secluded hallway, away from the noise and chaos. "Hyung, I'm sorry. Mom just woke me up, saying the game is about to start," Jihoon said, his voice panicked.
Sanghyeok chuckled, feeling a wave of comfort wash over him. "Baby, it's okay. It's been a while since you slept in your room," he said, his voice low and soothing.
"D-day," they said in unison, a shared understanding passing between them.
"Good luck, love," Jihoon said, his voice filled with excitement. "I may not be there, but know I'm watching and cheering you on, the loudest! No matter what happens, I'm always so proud of you. I love you so much, Hyung."
Sanghyeok's heart swelled with emotion. "Thank you, baby. May I remind you that we're in this together, okay? Know that I-"
He stopped, his eyes locking onto BDD walking towards him. His face darkened, remembering the conversation he overheard earlier.
BDD called out, "Hyung," seemingly oblivious to the phone call. Sanghyeok's face dimmed, his annoyance evident.
"Oh, I'm sorry, are you on call? I'll wait, you can go on," BDD said, a hint of mischief in his voice.
Sanghyeok's composure remained intact. "It's okay, what is it? Can you make it quick?" he asked, his tone measured.
BDD smiled, a sly glint in his eye. "Let's make a deal. If we win, you have to give me your number," he said, his voice dripping with confidence.
Jihoon listened in, his irritation growing. Sanghyeok's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained composed. "And if we win, what will I even get?" he asked, his voice steady.
BDD's smile widened. "Anything you want, just name it," he said, his eyes glinting with pride.
Sanghyeok's face remained expressionless. "Okay, deal," he said, his voice firm.
BDD walked away, a triumphant smile on his face. Jihoon's voice came through the phone, annoyed. "Hyunggggg, why do you make such a deal?"
Sanghyeok chuckled, imagining Jihoon's pouty face. "Jihoo-," he started, but Jihoon cut him off.
"And you're calling me by my name now? You were calling me baby a minute ago," Jihoon said, his voice sulky.
Sanghyeok's smile widened. "Jihoonieee," he teased, his voice playful.
"It's okay, baby," he said, his voice soothing. "If we win, I can tell him to back off because I have a boyfriend who doesn't want other people to go near me. And if we lose, I can just block his number. So we still win, don't we?"
There's a pause, and then Jihoon said, "Oh, that's right."
Sanghyeok's voice turned serious. "But Jihoon-ah, you know I don't just give my number to anyone. Not to the person who hurt my boyfriend. Not when you're on the line. So I will win."
"...Hyung, I love you," Jihoon said, his voice filled with emotion.
Sanghyeok's heart skipped a beat. "I love you, Jihoon-ah. I have to go now, I think it'll start anytime now. I'll see you soon," he said, his voice gentle.
"See you soon, love," Jihoon replied, his voice soft.
Sanghyeok ended the call, a sense of determination washing over him. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the game ahead.
Sanghyeok returned to his teammates, his eyes burning with determination.
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"No matter what, we have to win!" as they about to go Sanghyeok exclaimed, heading towards the stage. His team taken aback by their Hyung's sudden eagerness.
The game began, and T1 started strong, taking an early lead in Game 1.
However, the KT fought back, taking Games 2 and 3.
Hyeonjoon's anxiety grew, but Sanghyeok remained calm, his focus unwavering.
In Game 4, T1 bounced back, leveling the score.
As they prepared for Game 5, Sanghyeok's eyes met Boseong's, who was watching him with a hope and smile. He felt a spark of confidence ignite within him. He smirked, his lips curling up into a sly smile. It wasn't a boastful or arrogant look, but rather a quiet assurance that once again he was on top of the world.
Boseong's smile faltered, and his eyes dropped, as if he was suddenly aware of the weight of the situation. His face fell, and a look of worry crept in, replacing his earlier confidence.
Sanghyeok's smirk never wickered, his eyes holding Boseong's gaze for a moment longer before he turned away, his attention focused on the stage and the crowd cheering his name.
The smirk was a silent message, one that only Boseong could understand. It was a declaration of victory, a reminder that Sanghyeok was the champion, and Boseong was just a footnote in his story.
As Sanghyeok turned away, he felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he had left Boseong with something to think about. The crowd was cheering, his team was ready, but Sanghyeok's focus was on the one person who mattered most - Jihoon, waiting for him back home.
"Let's make history and legacy again, guys. Rando~," Sanghyeok said, his voice low and steady.
"Ne, hyung?"
Sanghyeok's eyes gleamed with confidence. "It's your first grand finals, right?" Hyeonjoon nodded, determination etched on his face.
"Then it will also be your first world championship," he said firmly.
The team exchanged glances, and though they were confused by their Hyung's avidity, they trusted him implicitly. As they took the stage for Game 5, the crowd erupted in cheers.
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"T1 earning their legacy, again, and again, and again. There could be no doubt again. Four players on the rift today making the impossible, possible. Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, Keria, and now Doran as well are world champions."
The game was intense, with both teams fighting for victory. But T1's synergy and Sanghyeok's leadership proved too much for their opponents. The team's celebration is infectious, with teammates hugging and high-fiving each other. Sanghyeok is surrounded by his team, all of them grinning from ear to ear.
The crowd erupts in cheers as T1 lifts the Summoners Cup, their arms raised in triumph. Sanghyeok stands tall, a beaming smile on his face, as the confetti rains down on them.
Sanghyeok's eyes closed briefly, and his lips curved into a gentle smile as he silently murmured, "This one is for you, Jihoon-ah," his voice barely audible, even to himself. As he lifted the trophy, his eyes seemed to lock onto something in the air, his heart filled with love and gratitude for Jihoon, who was watching from afar. The roar of the crowd faded into the background, and for a moment, it was just Sanghyeok thinking Jihoon, connected by an unbreakable bond.
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Sanghyeok saw Boseong in front of their team waiting room, his eyes narrowing slightly as he saw the mixture of admiration and nervousness on the other player's face.
"Hyung, congratulations," Boseong said, his voice respectful.
Sanghyeok smiled, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Thanks," he replied, his voice calm.
Boseong hesitated, then asked, "So, about the deal... what do you want?"
Sanghyeok's eyes flashed with a hint of warning.
"Just don't try to get my number, again," he said, his voice firm. "Because even if you got it, I will just block you. Oh, and also, don't talk to me when it's not about League-related matters. I and my boyfriend will appreciate it."
Boseong's eyes widened, and he looked taken aback. "Your boyfriend, is it Jihoon?" he asked, his voice hesitant.
Sanghyeok's smile grew wider, his eyes shining with love. "It's him, it always has been and it always will be. Well, maybe not once he becomes my husband," he said, his voice filled with conviction.
Boseong's face turned bright red, and he quickly excused himself, looking a bit flustered.
As Boseong turned to leave, Sanghyeok called out, "And, Boseong?" he said, his voice low.
Boseong turned back, looking nervous. "Y-yes, Hyung?"
Sanghyeok's smile was gentle, but his eyes were firm. " I heard your conversation with Seungmin. Just be careful to what you say about people. It can hurt them, and it can hurt the people who care about them."
Boseong nodded, looking sheepish, and quickly turned to leave. Sanghyeok watched him go, a sense of satisfaction lingering in the air. He took a deep breath, feeling content and at peace.
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After their celebration, Sanghyeok settled into his hotel room, feeling the weight of exhaustion and excitement dwell over him. He had just won the championship, and the rush of adrenaline was still coursing through his veins. He reached for his phone and saw a text from Jihoon, congratulating him on his win.
He smiled and decided to call Jihoon instead. The phone rang a few times before Jihoon answered, his voice bright and cheerful.
"Hyung, congratulations! I'm so proud of you!" Jihoon exclaimed, his excitement palpable over the phone.
Sanghyeok's face softened as he heard Jihoon's words. "Ah, Jihoon-ah. Thank you, baby. I'm so happy right now," he said, feeling a sense of joy and contentment wash over him.
Jihoon launched into a excited monologue, recounting every moment of the game and how proud he was of Sanghyeok and his team. Sanghyeok listened, entrhralled, feeling grateful for Jihoon's unwavering support.
Jihoon's voice was like a gentle caress, soothing Sanghyeok's tired muscles and calming his racing thoughts. He felt his eyelids growing heavy, but he didn't want to hang up, not yet.
As Jihoon's excitement died down, he asked, "So, did you talk to Boseong about the deal?"
Sanghyeok smirked, remembering the conversation he had with Boseong earlier. "Yeah, I did," he said, trying to keep a straight voice.
Jihoon's curiosity was piqued, and he pouted, "And? What did you two talk? Tell me!"
Sanghyeok chuckled, enjoying Jihoon's antics. "Nothing, baby. Don't be curious," he teased.
But Jihoon was not having it. He sulked, "Hyung, tell me~" his voice whiny and cute.
Sanghyeok laughed, unable to resist Jihoon's cute pouting. "Okay, okay. I told him to not try to get my number again and to not talk to me about non-League stuff," he said, trying to keep the details brief.
But Jihoon was not satisfied. "And... what else?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
Sanghyeok smug, remembering what he said earlier. "And I told him it's because I have a boyfriend who's very possessive and might get jealous," he said, his voice low and husky.
Jihoon's face flushed with embarrassment, and he giggled, "Hyung..."
Sanghyeok's heart skipped a beat as he heard Jihoon's shy laughter.
As they continued talking, their voices softened, and they started to drift off to sleep. Jihoon's breathing slowed, and his voice became sleepy, "Hyung... I love you..."
Sanghyeok's heart melted, and he smiled, "I love you too, Jihoon-ah. So much."
As Sanghyeok dozed off to sleep, he felt Jihoon's love surrounding him, like a warm hug that would never let him go. He smiled, feeling grateful for this man, who loved him so completely.
Their conversation trailed off, and they fell asleep with each other on the line, their love for each other still strong and present, even in their dreams...